Trace Elliot AH300-12 serie 6

(Originally written by moog_zik/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

Solid-state amplifier head (300 watts / 8 ohms) based on the GP12 preamp. Provided in a metal flight case with a blue UV lamp for the controls.

Active/passive inputs
Gain control
Noise reduction system
12-band graphic EQ + level control
"Mid Pre shape" control
Master control

XLR DI output
FX loop
2 line in/out on 1/4" jack connectors
Headphone output

UTILIZATION

As simple as 2 inputs. All connections are on the front panel (except for the speaker output) Every seasoned bassist will easily find his favorite settings and ought to be able to shape his sound with the 12-band EQ

SOUNDS

Trace Elliot amps have their own sound. They were reference products in the 80's. Fits the needs of rock and funk musicians. I didn't test it with other music styles (e.g. jazz)
but this amp is certainly not a very versatile tool.

OVERALL OPINION

Based on the good GP12 preamp. Nice vintage look thanks to the blue neon lighting on the front panel. The head is very heavy and it was certainly not conceived to be transported with a cabinet every day (except if you have roadies!).
Discontinued and rare product.

Head 300 Watts into 8 Ohms with hybrid preamp with a 12AX7 type tube.
Rackmount version (RAH300-12)
2 inputs (passive / active)
Gain control with visual + output volume knob.
Pre-shape trace elliot (scooped)
Emphasize Harmonic (emphasizes harmonics ...)
Drive valve to adjust the preamp level allocated to the lamp
EQ 12 bands
Noise reduction
Dual-band compressor (low and high)
2 parallel outputs to the HP jack
An XLR DI output (pre or post EQ)
1 output tuner
An effects loop (parallel or serial)
Footswitch 1 socket

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use especially for visual adjustment of the gain.
Configuration raw sound is already good. The combined pre-shape EQ 12 bands can get a fairly wide range of sounds but typed rock and scooped. The valve drive and harmonic Emphasize can tweak the sound by adding roundness and clarity (there are advantages amp lamps). Finally, the dual-band compressor can rework his post-EQ and work the attack scores (it is easily possible to have an aggressive attack to a finger-picking).
The doc is available online at the manufacturer.

SOUNDS

The grain is very distinctive sound, but many settings can get sounds very broad. I think the AH300-12 is fully expressed in the rock but is adaptable.
4 string bass in all frequencies are well covered in the 5 string so serious out very well.
Its very fat, round and crystalline.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this amp for more than 10 years to play metal, rock and pop.
Currently I do not intend to change it, I especially like the different settings to fine tune the sound. The big black point of this head is its weight.